A Walk Down Memory Lane.....

February 2007 - We were so excited! God had blessed us with a daughter - a dream & gift that only he could create for us. It was a LONG plane ride! We were so full of energy --- it was hard to keep ourselves busy as there was NO WAY we were sleeping much - no matter how long the ride! You'll have to forgive me, but the year anniversary of meeting our daughter has made me want to take a walk down memory lane - so here are just a few pictures of our very special trip to China February 2007 to meet our sweet Anne Marie.

When we got to China we had to wait a few days before we were able to meet Anne Marie. They kept us very busy -- which probably was a good thing. We went to Tienamen Square - The GreatWall - Summer Palace - The Forbidden City - Silk/Pearl/Jade Factory. It is an AMAZING country! The memories of the places, smells, sounds, it's something that will stay with us forever - and are such happy memories for us!!



Then .... Our day finally came.....

February 5, 2007 - The day that changed our lives forever!! It was such a blur - I'm just glad we have it on video, because I can not be sure that I would remember some of the things with out it. One thing I will always remember is the first time I saw her face. I saw her from far away, while she was still in the arms of the nannies - I knew right away - I told Mike it was her - I don't know if he believed me, but I just knew - then, there she was. So sweet, so calm - amongst all the noise, cries, confusion - she was so quiet. It was an amazing feeling.

The next few days we watched her personality come through. She was unsure of us (especially me) at first. She was very quiet, very observant - then she laughed - Mike got her to do it - and I can't tell you how my heart smiled at that moment - I will always remember that!! And her spoons - oh how she LOVED her plastic spoons - she even slept with them!!

Then, there were 3 - it was so much fun touring with our sweet child. We saw so many beautiful things - we bought her special gifts - we had "official" paperwork, appointments, and things to accomplish, but there were so many special "family moments" in-between.

They were getting ready for Chinese New Year while we were there. We left the day before Chinese New Year started. It was the year of the Pig. All the parks were being decorated with lanterns, pigs, flowers, and other decorations. It was such a beautiful time to be there. I would love to return to China one day during a New Year celebration.

The day before we left to return home, we took a group picture. The family picture & the picture of the girls is of the 13 families / children that went to Nanchang. There were more families that made the original trip with us, but these are the families with girls from our orphanage. What a blessing to meet each one of these families. They will always hold a special place in our hearts.

To our Jiangxi Families - God bless each of you today especially, we are thinking of you & to all the families that traveled with us that February we wish you a Very Happy Gotcha Day!!

Melissa & Mike & Anne Marie

P.S. - Just a special note regarding China & the orphanages there. As some of you may have heard - there are many places in China that have been hit HARD by very harsh winter weather. There are many orphanages that short on supplies, money, and heat during "normal" seasons, but with this storm, many orphanages need HELP! We ask that you pray for the people and children of China - and if you're interested in donating money to help this situation a non-proffit called Half-the-Sky has set up a fund to help : http://www.halfthesky.org/work/littlemouse.php